Movie Reviews November 25, 2015: CREED, THE GOOD DINOSAUR, and VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN

CREED
Rated: PG-13
Release Date: Nivember 25, 2015
Director: Ryan Coogler
Stars: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson
Plot: The son of Apollo Creed tries to make a name for himself in the boxing world, but his legendary father is always lurking
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters

This is a ROCKY for a new generation. It is powerful, emotional and most importantly, it's a good film.

The movie went a lot deeper than I expected it to go. It got down inside the main characters so we could really understand their strengths, flaws, and motivations.The performances by all of the main players were great. Not quite award-worthy, but still fine acting all around.

There are several predictable and cliche moments throughout the movie, but those can easily be pushed aside since the entirety of the film is so well done.

And, in true ROCKY fashion, they did leave it open for the possibility of a sequel.





THE GOOD DINOSAUR
Rated: PG
Release Date: November 25, 2015
Director: Peter Sohn
Stars: Raymond Ochoa, Frances McDormand, Jeffrey Wright
Plot: A young boy and a dinosaur become friends on a long journey
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD

This film is a swing and a miss for Pixar. It is really slow, even though it's only 90 minutes long it feels like it's well over 2 hours. There are very few light-hearted or funny moments. And while this isn't a funny film per se, we have come to expect a lot of laughs from Pixar movies.

The film is rated PG and I wouldn't take anyone under age 5 because there are several very scary moments. Also, the film just isn't good enough to hold the attention of the younger kids.

This movie has very little to offer adults, which is quite disappointing. Usually Pixar films are great for all ages. This one will appeal to children that are 8-10 years old and that's about it.

There are some other family films coming out in the near future that look like they would be worth your theater money. I say save it for those films and just rent this one when the DVD is finally released.

Warning: The animated short before THE GOOD DINOSAUR is terrifying. I know that if my five year old saw it she would have nightmares. Just be aware going into the movie that bad dreams are a possibility.




VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN
Rated: PG-13
Release Date: November 25, 2015
Director: Paul McGuigan
Stars: James McAvoy, Daniel Radcliffe, Andrew Scott
Plot: Two brilliant scientists create life from death while Scotland Yard tries to stop them
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters.

The trailer for this movie had me chomping at the bit to see it. I was really hoping that it would live up to the expectations that I had from the trailer, and it did.

It has a great plot with an especially fascinating origin story for Igor, and the Gothic cinematography is outstanding. McAvoy and Radcliffe have incredible chemistry making the movie even more fun to watch.

This film is nerdtastic all the way through with the science and experiments. It is also quite scary and intense in places. Most people wouldn't consider this a horror film by today's standards, but I would say this is exactly what a true horror film should be.

NOTE: For those of you that are fans of the BBC show SHERLOCK, you'll have fun watching Moriarty play Sherlock for a while.

DVD Review For November 25, 2014

THE NOVEMBER MAN
Rated: R
Stars: Pierce Brosnan, Luke Bracey, Olga Kurylenko
Plot: An ex-CIA operative is called back into action to bring down one of his former trainees.
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this movie this week

This film was released into theaters in one of Hollywood's typical dump months. It's where they release all of the films they don't expect to do well. But there are always one or two exceptions. Thankfully, THE NOVEMBER MAN is an exception.

This film is a very good, high entertainment spy flick that will keep you engaged and guessing. It is also done in a way that you really don't know if the main characters are going to make it out alive or not, adding to the suspense and thrills of the movie.

It's a lot of fun to see Pierce Brosnan return to the big screen in a high-action spy role. His cool-as-a-cucumber approach is the perfect juxtaposition to his quick-acting adversary.

It's not quite on par with the better James Bond films, but you won't walk away disappointed.

Get a big bucket of popcorn and enjoy the ride.



THE GIVER
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Brenton Thwaites, Jeff Bridges, Odeya Rush
Plot: In a seemingly utopian society, a boy begins to learn the truth that they are all being manipulated by the government, and must figure out a way to stop them.
Trailer

Clint says: Rent this if you are interested to see where the YA genre began

This is one of those films that will mean a lot more to some people than to others. For those that read THE GIVER and understand the importance of that book in helping to create and shape the Young Adult genre this will be a film of great importance. For your average movie-goer, this film will probably be a little slow with a mediocre payoff.

The world-building is unique and interesting and there is enough suspense to keep you engaged throughout the film, but it isn't as exciting or fast-paced as DIVERGENT or THE HUNGER GAMES.



WHAT IF
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan
Plot: A man tries to be friends with a woman who has a boyfriend.
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this movie this week

While this movie is at its base a formulaic Romantic Comedy, the chemistry between Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan is incredible. Their banter and non-verbal communications will make you smile throughout the movie, and there are several moments that will make you laugh out loud.

This is one of those sleeper films that seem to come out a couple of times a year that, for whatever reason, don't get traction among moviegoers, but are exceptional movies. I highly recommend WHAT IF.



THE EXPENDABLES 3
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Just about every action hero in Hollywood
Plot: The Expendables team comes up against a new foe in an old friend and must work together to stay alive.
Trailer

Clint Says: If you liked the first two, buy this DVD today

Here's the deal with this franchise, just think SHARKNADO, only with a huge budget and A-List actors. These films are so ridiculously over-the-top that they are among the most entertaining films ever. They aren't meant to be thought-provoking or important movies. They are meant to poke fun at the action genre in a non-parody way that satisfies completely.

Grab a big bucket of popcorn, get a bunch of friends and have a great time watching this movie.

Movie Review For August 15, 2014

NOTE: I am currently traveling out of the country through August 22. There are several movies being released the next two weeks that I have yet to see and will not get a chance to see them before they are released. If you see any of these films, please feel free to write your own reviews in the comments section. I will do my best to catch up with the reviews when I return.

THE GIVER
Rated - PG-13
Stars: Brenton Thwaites, Jeff Bridges, Odeya Rush
Plot: In a seemingly utopian society, a boy begins to learn the truth that they are all being manipulated by the government, and must figure out a way to stop them.
Trailer

Clint says: Save some money and see a matinee

This is one of those films that will mean a lot more to some people than to others. For those that read THE GIVER and understand the importance of that book in helping to create and shape the Young Adult genre this will be a film of great importance. For your average movie-goer, this film will probably be a little slow with a mediocre payoff.

The world-building is unique and interesting and there is enough suspense to keep you engaged throughout the film, but it isn't as exciting or fast-paced as DIVERGENT or THE HUNGER GAMES.



THE EXPENDABLES 3
Rated - PG-13
Stars: Just about every action hero in Hollywood
Plot: The Expendables team comes up against a new foe in an old friend and must work together to stay alive.
Trailer

Clint Says: I didn't see this yet, but it doesn't matter...it's going to be AWESOME!

Here's the deal with this franchise, just think SHARKNADO only with a huge budget and A-List actors. These films are so ridiculously over-the-top that they are among the most entertaining films ever. They aren't meant to be thought-provoking or important movies. They are meant to poke fun at the action genre in a non-parody way that satisfies completely.

Grab a big bucket of popcorn, get a bunch of friends and go have a great time with this movie.



LET'S BE COPS
Rated - R
Stars: Damon Wayans, Jake Johnson
Plot: Two buddies dress up like cops for a party, but when people start taking them seriously they keep the charade going.
Trailer

Clint Says: I didn't get to see this movie yet

If you see this movie please post your review in the comments section for others to enjoy.



WHAT IF
Rated - PG-13
Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan
Plot: A man tries to be friends with a woman who has a boyfriend.
Trailer

Clint Says: Drop everything and go see this movie now

While this movie is at its base a formulaic Romantic Comedy, the chemistry between Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan is incredible. Their banter and non-verbal communications will make you smile throughout the movie, and there are several moments that will make you laugh out loud.

This is one of those sleeper films that seem to come out a couple of times a year that, for whatever reason, don't get traction among moviegoers, but are exceptional movies. I highly recommend WHAT IF.